Marking the UN International Day of Older Persons 2019, Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Leh observed the old age day on October 1 at Mahabodhi Maitri Geriatric Home, Devachan.
 
Cultural programme by old inmates of Mahabodhi old age home, famous singers of Ladakh Morup Namgyal, Dorjey Stakmo, and students of MIMC was presented.
 
R.S. Jasrotia, Principal District and Sessions Judge Leh talked about the important link of old age and young age. He stressed the need for taking good care of our elderly at our homes and urged the younger generation to give respect and care.
 
Talking about the legal protection, he informed about the J&K Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizen Act-2014 for the parents and senior citizens who face harassment from their children. He said that under this framework, the government with Social Welfare is planning to set up several day-care centers across the state.He appreciated the efforts of Ven. Sanghasena.
 
R S Jasrotia said that youths are indeed a strong force in bringing drastic societal change but at the same time senior citizens are also potential sources that can be used to uplift the youth. Their experiences can be tapped for the good of the society at large. 
 
“It is time to spend time with them so that our younger generations will spend their time with us when we are old”, he added.
 
Saugat Biswas, Divisional Commissioner Ladakh appreciated the genuine efforts of Ven. Sanghasena for MIMC.He appreciated the alumni of MIMC for making their bit by giving back to society through MIMC what they received from here. 
 
He informed about the district administration plan to set up a day-care and recreation centre for the elderly in Leh.
 
He further talked about the growing disparity between younger and older generations and the challenges to understand ways and methods to fill this gap. 
 
A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a prayer room at Mahabodhi Mahakaruna Hospital was held along with the inauguration of the renovated dining hall.

Ven. Sanghasena, Founder-President-Spiritual Director of MIMC said that society is busy promoting the elixir of youth and beauty forgetting the fact that old age and death never discriminates with anyone. 
 
Appealing sponsors for a one-day meal at old age home, Ven. Sanghasena said that no single senior citizen should be ignored, no single child should be left uneducated, and no physically challenged be side-lined.
 
Ven. Shadup Chamba, President, Ladakh Gonpa Association. PT Kunzang, President, Ladakh Buddhist Association also spoke on the occasion.
 
A short film on contributions of Ven. Sanghasena in setting up MIMC was also screened. 
 
Spalzes Angmo, Secretary, DLSA Leh; Dechan Chamga, President, Christian Community; Shafi Lassu, President, Bar Council Leh, scholars, writers, and many other dignitaries were present.